Will the dispute with Canada affect the prices of lentils, or will India neutralize it?

The central government has increased the import of lentils from Australia to control the rising prices of pulses. Now about two lakh tonnes of lentils will be imported from Australia. Meanwhile, India has also started importing lentils from Russia.

Due to the statement of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, tension between India and Canada is increasing. In such a situation, there is speculation that if the tension between the two countries increases further, then inflation will increase in India. There will be a shortage especially of lentils. Because Canada is the main importer of lentils for India. But, central government officials have completely rejected all kinds of speculations and rumours.

Officials say that the strain in relations between India and Canada is not going to affect export-import. We are currently in the comfortable zone in terms of importing pulses from Canada. According to officials, amid the ongoing tension between the two countries, one lakh tonnes of lentils from Canada has reached Indian ports. Officials say that about 23 lakh tonnes of pulses are consumed every year in the country. But, the production of pulses in the country is only 16 lakh tonnes. In such a situation, pulses are imported from abroad to meet the remaining needs.

Zero import duty on lentils may continue

An official said that about 6 lakh tonnes of lentils from Canada have so far reached the country's ports. In such a situation, no problem is going to arise regarding pulses in the country. The supply of masoor dal in the market will continue to be the same as before. Sources also said that the central government may continue zero import duty on lentils even after March 2024 to give a clear signal to foreign exporters.

Import of lentils approved

According to government data, in the crop season 2022-23, India had imported 4.85 lakh tonnes of lentils worth Rs 3,012 crore from Canada. At the same time, in about three months between April and June this year, one lakh tonnes of lentils has reached India from Canada. At the same time, in September 2021, the Center had approved the import of lentils from Russia. However, the government did not start importing lentils from Russia due to the high price. In such a situation, it is being said that to meet the consumption of lentils, India is preparing a list of countries from where lentils can be imported at cheaper rates. However, now the inclination of farmers towards pulse cultivation in the country has increased slightly. Due to this the production of domestic pulses has increased.